Your Hospice is facing a perfect storm - Stephen Roberts

People may think that Covid is over, but North Devon Hospice is dealing with the repercussions right now, and it is stretching our services to their limit.

The pandemic caused unimaginable disruption to our healthcare system, and we always worried this would cause problems for our community down the line. Sadly, we are being proved right. Illnesses have not been identified, diagnosed or treated in the usual way. This means we are seeing a raft of patients facing a terminal illness, who would otherwise not be in that position. It’s not anybody’s fault, it’s just another terrible – and largely unseen – consequence of the pandemic.

Not only has this increased the number of people that North Devon Hospice is caring for, but the fact we are seeing people so late in their journey means that their symptoms are more complex, therefore the care needed is more involved. All this means our care teams are stretched to their limit, trying to support everyone who needs them.

At the same time the other front North Devon Hospice is up against is the cost-of-living crisis. This has contributed to North Devon Hospice experiencing our worst ever three-month period in terms of donations. It’s these combining forces that mean your hospice needs your support.

We are determined to help everyone who needs us, to match the rise in demand for our care. We don’t want anyone to die afraid or in pain. We completely appreciate that everyone is feeling the pinch right now, so any contribution you might be able to make will be hugely beneficial to those who need our care. But I think it is important for our local community to be aware of just how much your support is needed right now. North Devon Hospice is here for you, and only because of you. Together, I know we can meet this challenge and continue to help local people in their hour of need.

Written by Stephen Roberts, Chief Executive at North Devon Hospice